Grünwald Castle, Grünwald, Germany

Grünwald Castle is a medieval hill castle. The history goes probably back to a Roman watchtower on the Isar river. The high medieval castle of the 12th century was documented as a possession of the counts of Andechs. In 1293 it came into the possession of the Wittelsbach. Louis II, Duke of Bavaria acquired at that time the possession of the fortress from Ulrich Vellenberg, a ministeriales of the Counts of Andechs. The castle served then also as a residence for his consort Matilda of Habsburg. The present building dates mainly from the late 15th century, when the castle was renovated to celebrate the wedding of Albert IV, Duke of Bavaria with Kunigunde of Austria, a daughter of emperor Frederick III. The construction work was carried out 1486–87 under the direction of the foreman Jörg Weikertshausen. Louis X, Duke of Bavaria was born here in 1495. The castle was then used as a ducal hunting lodge, prison and powder magazine.

In 1872 the castle was sold into private hands. A project for a luxury condominium was prevented by a citizens' initiative which finally led to the purchase of the castle by the Free State of Bavaria in 1976. Since 1979 the Castle houses the Museum Grünwald, a branch of the Bavarian State Archaeological Collection. The castle can be visited, the main tower offers a worthwhile view.

Large parts of the castle were demolished in the 17th and 18th century because the Isar River had undermined the castle hill. At that time the late-Gothic residential quarters of the castle with their rich interior and the chapel of St. George were lost. The early modern state is still delivered on a fresco in the Antiquarium in the Munich Residenz.

Since the partial demolition the fortress is an irregular rectangle plant, which is protected by a kennel with a round tower and a deep moat and a gate tower with a renewed cycle of coat of arms. In the north-east corner stands a donjon, a high, square tower. In between lies the elongated three-storey east wing. The north west corner is dominated by the embattled so-called little tower. The adjoining west wing consists of three different levels. The deep fountain in the courtyard which is lined with tufa stone still goes back to the Middle Ages.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Johannes Lenz (2 years ago)
We went with #Littlefeet to a bird of prey show at Grünwald Castle. It is a small and quite manageable castle situated above the Isar valley. But in addition to a fascinating exhibition on its history, which is well designed for children, it also has a temporary exhibition on the subject of wood. In addition, the bird of prey show, which was free of charge, was impressive for children and adults alike, as it is rare to see and observe large and small falcons or eagles up close. All in all, it was a great excursion and we would like to thank you very much for the bird of prey show and the great exhibition at Grünwald Castle, which we can only warmly recommend to all parents and their children.

Nani A (2 years ago)
The Grünwald Castle is home to the annual local village festival (aka Burgfest) as well as hosts concerts and other performances throughout the year. This former medieval hunting lodge is nestled on the far edge of the town near a bridge that crosses the Isar, making it convenient to visit by bicycle. Worth checking it out!

david antoun (2 years ago)
A small Castle in the green forest. you have a museum to see the life of medieval people and the castle history, you can climb easily the longest Tower to see a great view. visit duration around 1 hr. 1€/adult on sunday. easy to reach by Bus nr.25 and then a small walk. very educational and entertaining. next to it a resto-hotel to have a lunch after the visit.

Bridgette Wanjiru (3 years ago)
It's beautiful in deed. There is a cafe, a museum and a burg or a tower where you can go up to watch the beautiful view of the surrounding area. You can learn more about historical events about the Castles.

David Riedmiller (3 years ago)
Well worth it! Learn about the history of castles in medieval Bavaria (there are five thousand of them!) in about 30 minutes (museum isn't that big, but very interesting). Entry is €3,50 and includes access to the tower (kids are free). Stop by when you're in the area! ?

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Following Hadrian

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.

Grünwald Castle

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople